Differences Between useRouter and useParams

Understanding the distinction between useParams and useRouter is crucial for efficient routing in React-based applications. These hooks are used for accessing URL parameters, but they serve different purposes and are used in different contexts.

useParams (React Router)

useParams is a hook in React Router, primarily used to access dynamic segments of the URL.

• Example:

import { useParams } from 'react-router-dom';

function UserProfile() {
  const { userId } = useParams();

  return <div>User ID: {userId}</div>;
}

In this example, for a route configured as /user/:userId, useParams allows us to extract userId from the URL.

useRouter in Next.js

In Next.js, useRouter is a hook from the "next/router" (pages router) module, providing access to the Next.js router object. It offers extensive functionalities, including access to query parameters, programmatic navigation, and more.

• Example:

import { useRouter } from 'next/router';

function ProductPage() {
  const router = useRouter();
  const { id, color } = router.query;

  return (
    <div>
      <p>Product ID: {id}</p>
      <p>Color: {color}</p>
    </div>
  );
}

In this example, useRouter is used to access both dynamic route parameters (id) and query parameters (color) for a route like /products/[id]?color=blue.

If you're using the app directory in Next.js, please import the useRouter hook from "next/navigation" like this import { useRouter } from "next/navigation";

Context

• useParams is used in React Router.
• useRouter is specific to Next.js.

Functionality:

• useParams only accesses dynamic route parameters.
• useRouter accesses both dynamic route parameters and query parameters. It also provides additional routing functionalities like navigation and event handling.

Usage:

• useParams is simpler and more focused.
• useRouter is more comprehensive and versatile for handling various aspects of routing in Next.js applications.

Random senior dev:

Understanding these differences helps in making informed decisions about routing strategies in your React or Next.js projects.